The origins of the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) can be traced back to 1901 (Chapter 531), when the legislature required all owners of automobiles or motor vehicles to register with the office of the secretary of state, identifying themselves and their vehicles. Two years later certain motor vehicle operators were required to obtain licenses from the secretary of state's office (Chapter 625). Examinations were instituted for chauffeurs in 1910 (Chapter 374); in 1919 for New York City drivers (Chapter 472); and in 1924 for all drivers (Chapter 360).
The Secretary of State registered and licensed motor vehicles and operators until 1921, when these functions were transferred to the State Tax Department (Chapter 90). From July 1921 through July 1924, motor vehicles and motor cycle laws were administered through the State Tax Department's Automobile Bureau. In July 1924, the bureau's name was changed to the Bureau of Motor Vehicles, and the office of commissioner of motor vehicles was established.
With the constitutional reorganization of State government in 1926, the Bureau of Motor Vehicles became a part of the newly created Department of Taxation and Finance (Chapter 553). The bureau's duties remained substantially the same except that all policing and enforcement procedures relating to the Highway Law were transferred to the State Police.
In 1936 (Chapters 910 and 919) the State Traffic Commission was created and attached to the Department of Taxation and Finance. Consisting of the commissioner of motor vehicles, the chief engineer of the Department of Public Works' Highway Division, and the superintendent of state police, the commission was mandated to survey traffic conditions, plan and coordinate safety programs, advise local governments on traffic matters, and promulgate rules and regulations for traffic control.
With the proliferation of automobiles the functions and duties of the bureau were increased through legislation. Statutes dealing with uninsured drivers were enacted in 1921, 1941, and 1956. Chemical tests for alcoholic content in the blood of drivers were implemented in 1954. Vehicle inspection began the following year and legislation on driving while intoxicated was enacted in 1960.
In 1959 a constitutional amendment provided for the creation of a Department of Motor Vehicles. Chapter 464 of the Laws of 1960 abolished the Bureau of Motor Vehicles in the Department of Taxation and Finance and transferred its duties to the new department. The law also transferred to the State Traffic Commission, which functioned until 1967 when it was abolished and its duties transferred to the newly established Department of Transportation (Laws of 1967, Chapter 717).
Pursuant to the enactment of the National Voter Registration Act in 1993 (Public Law 103-31), the Department began offering State residents the opportunity to register to vote while applying for or renewing a motor vehicle driver?s license. In response to legislation enacted in 2000 (Chapter 429), the department established a database for use in prevention, education, and research in drug-impaired driving. The database is used to compile statistics on drug-impaired driving convictions, accidents involving drug-impaired driving, and fatal accidents in which evidence of drug use is found.
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The Department of Motor Vehicles is responsible for protecting the public by establishing and regulating safety standards for vehicles and operators and by conducting research on and developing programs to promote public safety. It regulates safety standards by administering the Vehicle and Traffic Law, which is enforced by state and local police, and by monitoring traffic violations. The department registers motor vehicles, boats, snowmobiles, and all-terrain vehicles; licenses automobile drivers, dealers, repair shops, inspection stations and driving schools; and collects sales taxes on private motor vehicle sales. The department conducts research on and actively promotes programs to reduce drinking driver problems and to encourage general highway safety practices, including the use of seat belts.
Secretary of State (Motor vehicle licensing 1901); State Tax Dept. Automobile Bureau 1921; State Tax Dept. Bureau of Motor Vehicles 1924; Dept. of Taxation and Finance 1926; State Traffic Commission 1936; Department of Motor Vehicles 1959.
